Declaration of Dependence
Kings of Convenience · 2009
45 min · 13 tracks · folk music
Delicate harmonies intertwine with gentle acoustic instrumentation, creating a serene landscape of introspective folk melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Mrs. Cold — This track features a captivating interplay between vocals and subtle instrumentation, illustrating the duo's ability to evoke emotion through simplicity.
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Boat Behind — With its reflective lyrics and soothing melodies, this song embodies the essence of the album’s exploration of personal relationships.
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Freedom and Its Owner — The song's poignant lyrics delve into themes of autonomy and identity while showcasing the duo's harmonic strengths.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate melodies and harmonies, creating a serene listening experience with solid craftsmanship.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces more varied dynamics and instrumentation.
- Vocals are often layered in harmonies, with two voices intertwining rather than alternating lead lines, creating a unified sound.
- Several tracks incorporate subtle shifts in rhythm and melody, enhancing the introspective quality without abrupt changes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady, consistent energy levels
- intimate, reflective soundscapes
- gentle background ambiance
- thoughtful, contemplative listening sessions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Declaration of Dependence' was released in 2009, Kings of Convenience had solidified their place in the indie folk scene following their previous album, 'Riot on an Empty Street' in 2004. This album marked their return after a five-year hiatus, allowing them to refine their sound and explore new lyrical themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Simon & Garfunkel· Iron & Wine· Sufjan Stevens
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 24‐25 3:38
- 2 Mrs. Cold 3:06
- 3 Me in You 3:08
- 4 Boat Behind 3:40
- 5 Rule My World 3:31
- 6 My Ship Isn’t Pretty 3:47
- 7 Renegade 4:15
- 8 Power of Not Knowing 2:22
- 9 Peacetime Resistance 2:53
- 10 Freedom and Its Owner 3:23
- 11 Riot on an Empty Street 4:05
- 12 Second to Numb 3:36
- 13 Scars on Land 3:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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